Getting Surgical Glue Off?

macdebbie

I had a lumpectomy on 9/14, and my post op appt, with my breast surgeon a week later. During that appt. my BCS told me that I should take the glue off, and the best way to do that was to put a petroleum product gently on the incisions and the glue will dissolve.

I've done that the last couple of days, and it doesn't seem to be working, It actually seemed to be better before I put the Vaseline on it - it was getting a little dry, and pieces on the end had started to break off.

Does anyone have any hints? I'm not bothered by the glue really, but the Vaseline on it makes that area kind of messy.

My BCS said I'm doing well. I seem to have some swelling still above the incision where the lymph nodes were taken out and the top of my underarm. Is this normal? I asked if there are specific exercises I should be doing, and she said just normal activity. (I had just a sentinel node biopsy - 4 out). No cancer.

Thx!

gb2115

I would call them back and tell them the vaseline isn't working, and can they make further suggestions. They do make specific adhesive removers, not sure how well it works on glue though. I couldn't get my glue off and left it on for 6 weeks, figured it wouldn't hurt, and ended up with a delayed allergic reaction to it.

LivinLife

I was given some individually wrapped pads, kind of looked like alcohol wipes though the chemical was different. They seemed to have that in the breast care center though plastics was involved b/c they were helping remove a large negative pressure wound vac over my incision. See if they can find something like that.... they should know what that is.

Rah2464

My PS had me leave my surgical glue alone until it was lifting up on its own which was at least a month in maybe more. Then I would gently work it a bit in the shower. However, my incisions were longer (mastectomy) so your surgeon might have a different approach. Its kind of a balance between minimizing scarring and minimizing any reaction you might have although it didn't bother me.

MinusTwo

My surgeon also told me to leave the surgical glue alone until it peeled off easily in the shower.

FloridaTBone

My surgeon said to let it come off on its own... it held on for 10 weeks!